Should you include prices on flyers?

[Stephen M.]

Allan, how do you determine 'if' it is the customer or your crew that is lying about the property? I mean you are relying on the crew leader to do part of the estimating / evalution of the property.

That's a great question Que.

Allan, how do you already know the lot size? If you are relying on the customer estimate, I wouldn't trust it. Its been my experience that alot of potential customers underestimate how big the property is and actual mowing time it took them to do the work. What percentage of these 200 properties did you have to adjust the price on and what percentage became a one time mow job as oppose to being a long term customer?

I do admire Allan's method, but I like to keep my crew in the dark as to how I bid properties and how much it is paying me. I learned the hard way that if some knew that info, they would steal some of my customers and become my competition.

[Allan]

That's a great question Que.

Allan, how do you already know the lot size? If you are relying on the customer estimate, I wouldn't trust it. Its been my experience that alot of potential customers underestimate how big the property is and actual mowing time it took them to do the work. What percentage of these 200 properties did you have to adjust the price on and what percentage became a one time mow job as oppose to being a long term customer?

I do admire Allan's method, but I like to keep my crew in the dark as to how I bid properties and how much it is paying me. I learned the hard way that if some knew that info, they would steal some of my customers and become my competition.

The county assessor has that information. I get it from them.

I have adjusted price on only 3 or 4 properties. The majority are weekly or biweekly. There are a few one timers in there as well. I don't know the exact percentages.

I don't think that my employees are smart enough to steal my customers. They may prove me wrong but how many could they get? They don't know how I bid. I have turned away more business than most LCO's have so if they steal a few I think that I can handle it. I know that sounds arrogant but that's the way it is.

[Allan]

Allan, how do you determine 'if' it is the customer or your crew that is lying about the property? I mean you are relying on the crew leader to do part of the estimating / evalution of the property.

No, I am not. I do the estimate and sign up the customer and if the crew leader thinks that it does not fall into the category of what we usually do when he actually gets to the property then he will tell me.

[Stephen M.]

... I have turned away more business than most LCO's have so if they steal a few I think that I can handle it. I know that sounds arrogant but that's the way it is.

Actually, its not arrogance; its smart thinking. With numbers like that, you can afford to be generous with giving your worst properties away to a new start up! Thank you for the info.

[craigslawn]

NO That Simple, if they are worried about the price they will call. Its not FREE and FREE is the only price I will ever put on a flier.

[BCLS]

I put my minimum to inform everyone that this is the lowest price that I'm going to charge and it won't go any lower.

My work regardles begins at $25. So, if this too much then I don't have to worry or deal with the hassel of people who think that this too much.

I've had people call me for service only their front yard offering to pay $10 or 15 and they get upset when we tell them it will be $25 regardless, becuase that is my starting price.